Popeye’s BYOB proposal turns customers off: ‘We’re not laughing’

In the latest chapter of the chicken sandwich wars, Popeye’s tried a marketing stunt that they thought would please customers in the wake of the fast-food chain quickly running out of their new chicken sandwich. The stunt instead only sent customers into a frenzy.

Popeye’s released a video telling customers that in light of their shortage of chicken sandwiches, customers should BYOB. While that typically stands for “bring your own beer,” here it stands for “bring your own bun.” Get it?

“Try our new BYOB! It’s basically The Sandwich! Only no mayo. Or pickles. And you bring your own bun… Really it’s just three tenders…” Popeye’s tweeted along with the video.

Check out the video below and see if you’re tempted to run out to the nearest Popeye’s.

Try our new BYOB! It’s basically The Sandwich! Only no mayo. Or pickles. And you bring your own bun… Really it’s just three tenders… pic.twitter.com/9jOFyfdae4

Since launching their chicken sandwich on August 12 to rave reviews, Popeye’s has engaged in a bit of a war of words with Chick-fil-A, which also offers a popular chicken sandwich. The two have trash-talked each other, but Chick-fil-A seems to have gotten the last laugh with Popeye’s running out of their chicken sandwich quickly and now customers being frustrated over the shortage. Chick-fil-A, meanwhile, has been seeing lines around the block thanks to the marketing the “chicken sandwich wars” has brought and they have not run out of chicken sandwiches.

“Guests came from near and far to try it and share their excitement for the product,” Bruno Cardinali, head of North American marketing for Popeye’s, told Fox Business.

He then tried to explain the new questionable ad.

“They loved it so much that we sold out. While we work to get the sandwich back in our restaurants, we wanted to offer our guests a fun way to satisfy their Popeyes sandwich cravings,” he said.